The Esplanade, Mooloolaba is the place to be this NYE with a feast of free entertainment from 4pm until midnight.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said more than 45,000 locals and visitors were expected to welcome in the New Year at Mooloolaba.

“New Year’s Eve Mooloolaba is an event that can be enjoyed by the entire community,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We want everyone to celebrate safely, so if you are out this New Year’s Eve, wherever you are, I encourage you, your families and friends to take care and look out for each other.”

Division 4 Councillor John Connolly said there was something for people of all ages to enjoy in this year’s program.

“With a line-up of entertainment across two stages, including the much-loved Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and headline act Thirsty Merc, there will be plenty of fun to be had for the young and young at heart,” Cr Connolly said.

“We’re proud to put on this event for our residents and visitors to celebrate in Mooloolaba, one of the Coast’s most iconic locations.”

Gates open at 4pm, with lots of free family activities on offer including face painting, amusements and roving entertainment.

Children will love Nick Jr.’s PAW Patrol Ready for Action Show, Poppy and Branch from the DreamWorks movie Trolls and the Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the Main Stage from 5pm onwards.

Down on the beach join in the SurfVolley fun below the Loo with a View.

The crew from SurfVolley Mooloolaba will be providing free beach volleyball for big kids and little kids alike between 3pm and 6.30pm. No experience necessary - they’ll help you get going.

Local band Hoo8Hoo will warm up the crowd on the Main Stage from 7.20pm leading in to the fireworks at 8.30pm.

One of Australia's finest live acts Thirsty Merc, will take to the Main Stage at 8.40pm, followed by dapper dressed Cheap Fakes at 10.15pm who will have the crowds grooving to their brass-fuelled funk and soulful ska until the countdown to spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

Down on the Sea Stage, SeaFM will be broadcasting live from 4pm right on the beach, followed by a live Clubcast with four DJ’s playing from 7pm until midnight.

Delicious food will be available from local vendors, restaurants and cafes on The Esplanade.

Council and Translink will be providing free buses across the Sunshine Coast from 3pm on New Year’s Eve (Saturday, December 31) so leave your car at home and jump on a free bus. Visit council’s website for bus timetables.

There will also be a free Park and Ride bus from Kawana Shoppingworld, University of the Sunshine Coast or Maroochydore Bus Station.

Please note that intoxicated people or the carrying of alcohol will not be permitted on board.

Don’t forget New Year’s Eve Mooloolaba is a drug, alcohol and glass free event. Intoxicated people will not be permitted entry.

A reminder to pet owners in the vicinity to ensure their pets are safe and secure for the duration of the event as the noise of fireworks may cause them to become agitated.

Council delivers this iconic event in a relaxed, safe, security patrolled and fenced event zone in partnership with a number of organisations including Queensland Police, SES, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Safe Nite Out, Queensland Ambulance Services, and St John Ambulance ensuring public safety is paramount.

The celebrations at Mooloolaba are only one of a number of New Year’s celebrations planned across the Sunshine Coast. The Kings Beach, Caloundra and Coolum Beach events are also supported by council.

Visit council’s website for more details on the event including traffic and transport information.